9 Netflix Documentaries to Watch This Spring (2019)

One of the most popular blog posts on #slowchathealth are the oh-yes-you-really-have-to-watch-these-documentaries-on-Netflix posts. So it’s time for an updated list of ‘must-watch’ shows on everybody’s favorite subscription service.

Again here’s a list of 9 documentaries that have a #healthed slant to them that I’m sharing for you to view. Some I’ve seen, the rest are on my ‘watch list’. I’m not suggesting that you show these in your classroom, although some definitely have content that you might want to view and discuss with your students, depending on their age. I’ve included links to the documentary website (many include great associated resources) if one exists, plus the most pertinent Twitter link related to the title. Feel free to share your suggestions with me and on Twitter using the hashtag #slowchathealth.

Period: End of a Sentence

In a village outside Delhi, India, women lead a revolution. For generations, these women didn’t have access to pads. But when a sanitary pad machine is installed in the village, they learn to manufacture their own pads. Their flight is partly enabled by high-school girls in California, who raised the initial money for the machine and created a non-profit called “The Pad Project.” Period. End of Sentence. won the Best Documentary Short at the 91st Academy Awards.

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson

Who killed Marsha P. Johnson? She was one of the icons of the gay rights movement in the 1960s, the self-described “street queen” of NY’s gay ghetto, and founded the Transvestites Action Revolutionaries with fellow luminary Sylvia Rivera. When Johnson’s body was found in the Hudson River in 1992, police called it a suicide and didn’t investigate. In David France’s new documentary, trans activist Victoria Cruz seeks to uncover the truth of her death while celebrating her legacy.

Audrie and Daisy

Two different girls sexually assaulted on two different nights, in two different towns. Audrie & Daisy takes a hard look at the issues faced by America’s teenagers who are coming of age in the new world of social media bullying, spun wildly out of control.

LA 92

Twenty-five years after the Rodney King trial, LA 92 looks at the emotional firebomb that detonated in Los Angeles—when the violent clashes between the police and citizens brought long-simmering racial tension to a national awareness. Rarely seen archival footage makes this a must-see movie.

Newtown

Filmed over the course of nearly three years, the filmmakers use unique access and never before heard testimonies to tell a story of the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting of schoolchildren in American history on December 14, 2012. Newtown documents a traumatized community fractured by grief and driven toward a sense of purpose. Joining the ranks of a growing club to which no one wants to belong, a cast of characters interconnect to weave an intimate story of community resilience.

Hot Girls Wanted

This six-part docuseries from Rashida Jones was praised when it was released at Sundance in 2015 and for good reason. The film depicts the gritty underbelly of the porn industry from the perspective of the young women who are drawn to the life. Not only does the doc explore the intersection between sexuality and the internet, it also gives an honest look at the toll the industry can take on its youngest and most naïve performers.

Take Your Pills

Adderall and other stimulants are nothing new in this day and age, but how did they become so wildly available? And what long-term effects do they have? Take Your Pills examines their history, dating all the way back to 1937 up to now when they’re even more common among performance-driven adults than young people who actually need them. Peppered with pop culture references and imaginative art, it’s an intriguing and thought-provoking documentary.

13th

Watch this. A powerful documentary that will stir up many emotions. The film argues that a prison-industrial complex which statistically imprisons black men disproportionately and allows for their disciplinary servitude, has taken advantage of America’s black population and brings into question if this system ultimately acts as a form of modern day slavery. Justin Schleider watched this on my recommendation and wrote this blog post.

Icarus

The second documentary on this list to win an Oscar! If you haven’t seen this yet, I think you’ll be surprised. I started watching expecting one thing, and in the end I got something completely different. And I’m glad. Filmmaker Bryan Fogel sets out on a mission to learn about performance-enhancing drugs in sports. What he ends up discovering is far bigger than anyone could have even imagined. You might discuss PED’s in health class, and like me you probably take quite a moral stance on the issue. If so, you’ll find yourself wrestling with your conscience during this documentary.

#summerreads a list of books that I lined up to read over the summer of 2018, many of which had been recommended by my PLN. Includes some great links to book suggestions that will inspire you. Look out for an revised version of this post coming soon.